Biodiversity Seminar

Todd Oakley.

The fifth of six seminars in the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology's fall seminar series will feature Dr.  Todd Oakley, Professory of Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, speaking on "Taking the fork in the road: How biodiversity originates."

Dr. Oakley specializes in the evolution of vision, eyes, and uses of light across the animal kingdom.  Among his many research interests, he has explored how the use of bioluminescence to communicate with mates has lead to increased species diversity in different kinds of animals such as fireflies, octopuses, and many other animals.  His presentation will highlight his studies on evolution and diversification of “sea fireflies” in the Caribbean.  These tiny animals emerge near reefs at night and release bioluminescence in tiny globs of mucus for courtship displays. 

For more information, contact Maya Watts, education program coordinator at OIMB, (541) 888-2581, ext. 201, oimb@uoregon.edu.

To reach the Boathouse auditorium, park along Boat Basin Road across from the OIMB campus and walk past the Coast Guard housing.